China declined to confirm reports that it is willing to be a “guarantor” along with Pakistan of a possible peace deal between Afghanistan and Taliban but said it will maintain “close cooperation” with all parties for reconciliation in the war-torn country.
“China has always supported the process of reconciliation, encouraging and supporting the Afghan government and the Taliban to carry out peace talks, and always maintained close contacts with relevant parties concerned,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry told Press Trust of India, when sought response to a media report from Pakistan.
“China is willing to work with all parties to continue to maintain close cooperation, for the realisation of inclusive Afghan peace and reconciliation and play a constructive role,” the ministry said, skirting a direct response to reports that it was willing to be a guarantor for the possible peace deal.
A local Pakistani newspaper in a recent report said Pakistan and China are ready to become ‘guarantors’ of a possible peace deal between the Afghan government and the Afghan Taliban.
“We are ready to go the extra mile. We are even willing to become guarantors for any peace agreement,” the daily quoted Pakistani official as saying.
The Chinese response came as Beijing is set to host a meeting between Afghanistan government officials and Taliban representatives on July 30.
China, which has invested heavily in Afghanistan’s mineral sector, began to play a major role as a peacemaker in Afghanistan as US and NATO troops winded up their missions.